A new political platform bringing together experienced leaders from Nigeria’s Southeast has been formed, following the launch of the South East Former Governors Forum in Enugu on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The forum was formally inaugurated during a maiden meeting attended by former governors from across the region, including the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who addressed journalists after the gathering and outlined the objectives of the newly formed body.
Speaking on the development, Umahi described the forum as a strategic platform aimed at supporting current governors in the Southeast and providing guidance on regional and national matters.
“You must have been wondering what is going on. What was going on and is still going on is that we now have the birth of a forum of former South East governors. Today, the April 7, 2026,” Umahi said.
He explained that although some former governors were unable to attend the inaugural meeting due to travel commitments and medical engagements, the forum expects broader participation in subsequent meetings.
“Many of the former governors, some are outside the country for medical checkup and some engagement but in our next meeting, we are sure that over 90 percent of the former governors of South East will be in attendance,” he added.
According to Umahi, the forum is designed to work closely with the serving governors of the Southeast region, offering advisory support and strengthening collaboration on issues affecting the zone.
“The body is to support our presiding governors of South East and advise them on key zonal and national matters. The forum shall be for all former governors, irrespective of party affiliation, so far they have been governor in South East,” he said.
He also commended the current governors in the region, noting that their efforts have contributed to development and improved governance in the Southeast.
“We commend the great works that our governors of South East are doing for the benefit of our people,” Umahi stated.
During the meeting, members of the newly formed forum also expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praising his administration for what they described as ongoing infrastructural development and key political appointments involving individuals from the Southeast.
“We commend Mr. President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR very highly for all the appointments, some of them very key, that is given to sons and daughters of South East, and for infrastructural revolution in South East, just like what he’s doing in other regions of the country,” Umahi said.
The forum further expressed appreciation to the president for providing assistance to governors in the Southeast region.
“We also thank Mr. President for the assistance to the governors of South East. We are grateful to Mr. President,” he added.
Umahi also revealed that the governors in the Southeast are united in their support for Tinubu’s reelection bid, signaling potential political alignment ahead of future elections.
“We boldly say that all the governors of South East are supporting Mr. President reelection and we will continue to give them support,” he said.
The minister emphasized that the forum would continue to expand, with more former governors expected to participate in future meetings.
“Our next meeting will embrace most of the former governors in the next weeks,” he noted, adding that the body intends to deepen cooperation with serving governors across the region.
Following the maiden meeting, members of the forum paid a courtesy visit to Peter Mbah, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between former and current leaders in the Southeast.
Several prominent political figures attended the inaugural meeting, including former governors such as Sullivan Chime, Martin Elechi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Chris Ngige, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
The formation of the South East Former Governors Forum marks a significant political development in the region, bringing together influential leaders with extensive governance experience. Observers say the platform could play a key role in shaping political direction, strengthening unity, and influencing policy decisions affecting the Southeast.
The initiative also reflects growing political realignments ahead of future national elections, as regional leaders seek to consolidate influence and coordinate strategies.
With more former governors expected to join the forum in the coming weeks, the group is poised to become a major advisory and political platform in the Southeast, aimed at promoting regional cooperation, development, and political stability.
